Old Saint Paul's: A Tale of the Plague and the Fire

Old Saint Paul's: A Tale of the Plague and the Fire, written by William Harrison Ainsworth and first published in 1841, is a historical novel set in London during the Great Plague of 1665 and the Great Fire of 1666. The story follows Stephen Bloundel, a grocer, as he navigates the devastation of the plague, the moral dilemmas it presents, and the romantic entanglements of his daughter Amabel amidst the chaos. Notable for its vivid portrayal of Restoration London, the novel intertwines personal and public crises, showcasing themes of love, greed, and survival against a backdrop of historical calamity.